Chesterknowes

Settlement in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Chesterknowes

A drinking fountain at Midlem Village The fountain has been painted since this photo was taken <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/961088">NT5227 : Midlem Village from the well</a>.
A drinking fountain at Midlem Village Credit: Walter Baxter

Chesterknowes is a picturesque hamlet located in the historic county of Roxburghshire, Scotland. Situated just 4 miles northeast of the charming town of Kelso, this quaint village is surrounded by rolling countryside and offers a tranquil retreat for residents and visitors alike.

The village is characterized by its traditional stone-built houses, many of which date back several centuries, adding to the area's rich historical charm. Nestled on the banks of the River Tweed, Chesterknowes benefits from stunning views of the river and the lush green landscape beyond.

Despite its small size, Chesterknowes has a close-knit community that prides itself on its welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The village is home to a handful of local amenities, including a village hall that serves as a hub for social gatherings and events. Residents can also enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbank, taking in the beauty of the surrounding nature.

For those seeking a taste of history, nearby attractions such as Floors Castle and Kelso Abbey provide fascinating insights into the area's past. Outdoor enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for activities such as fishing, hiking, and cycling in the surrounding countryside.

Chesterknowes benefits from its proximity to Kelso, where residents can access a wider range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and schools. The village is well-connected by road, with the A698 providing easy access to nearby towns and cities.

In summary, Chesterknowes offers a peaceful and idyllic setting in the heart of Roxburghshire, with its scenic beauty and close community spirit making it an appealing place to live or visit.

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Chesterknowes Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.525367/-2.7618781 or Grid Reference NT5226. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A drinking fountain at Midlem Village The fountain has been painted since this photo was taken <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/961088">NT5227 : Midlem Village from the well</a>.
A drinking fountain at Midlem Village
The fountain has been painted since this photo was taken NT5227 : Midlem Village from the well.
Minor road at Hounshall Looking north-eastward.
Minor road at Hounshall
Looking north-eastward.
Minor road heading towards Whitmuir Looking south-westward.
Minor road heading towards Whitmuir
Looking south-westward.
Minor road about to join the B6453 road in Midlem Looking south-westward.
Minor road about to join the B6453 road in Midlem
Looking south-westward.
A horse reflection at Riddell A large pond formed in this horse field after periods of heavy rain. I walked by here two days previously and there was no lying water in the field.
A horse reflection at Riddell
A large pond formed in this horse field after periods of heavy rain. I walked by here two days previously and there was no lying water in the field.
The General’s Tower at Riddell This 25m high observation tower, surrounded by trees, was built in memory of the Sprot family on a medieval motte and bailey in 1885 by A. Herbertson & Son for Major-General John Sprot. An internal vertiginous metal spiral staircase in one corner leads to a caphouse and corbelled parapet walkway. For a long distance autumnal view, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2142196">NT5224 : The General's Tower at Riddell</a>.
The General’s Tower at Riddell
This 25m high observation tower, surrounded by trees, was built in memory of the Sprot family on a medieval motte and bailey in 1885 by A. Herbertson & Son for Major-General John Sprot. An internal vertiginous metal spiral staircase in one corner leads to a caphouse and corbelled parapet walkway. For a long distance autumnal view, see NT5224 : The General's Tower at Riddell.
Sheep at Riddell This winter feeding station is by a farm track.
Sheep at Riddell
This winter feeding station is by a farm track.
The caphouse on the General’s Tower at Riddell The caphouse and corbelled parapet walkway can be accessed by an internal vertiginous metal spiral staircase. For a wider view of the 25m high tower, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098037">NT5224 : The General’s Tower at Riddell</a>.
The caphouse on the General’s Tower at Riddell
The caphouse and corbelled parapet walkway can be accessed by an internal vertiginous metal spiral staircase. For a wider view of the 25m high tower, see NT5224 : The General’s Tower at Riddell.
A crest above the entrance door to the general’s Tower The crest features a heron, three fish and a boar’s head. The initials J. S. stand for Major-General John Sprot who commissioned the tower. For a view of the tower, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098037">NT5224 : The General’s Tower at Riddell</a>.
A crest above the entrance door to the general’s Tower
The crest features a heron, three fish and a boar’s head. The initials J. S. stand for Major-General John Sprot who commissioned the tower. For a view of the tower, see NT5224 : The General’s Tower at Riddell.
Mixed farmland at Lilliesleaf The fields were viewed from the B6400 opposite Lilliesleaf Parish Church.
Mixed farmland at Lilliesleaf
The fields were viewed from the B6400 opposite Lilliesleaf Parish Church.
An old Riddell milepost The milepost is in the southeast edge of a strip wood by a farm track. For some historical information, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6814513">NT5225 : Old milepost</a>.
An old Riddell milepost
The milepost is in the southeast edge of a strip wood by a farm track. For some historical information, see NT5225 : Old milepost.
The Sprot family mausoleum This small mortuary chapel surrounded by a locked iron railed enclosure is situated about 80m south of the General’s Tower on the Riddell Estate. Three window tablets are inscribed with details of Sprot family members.
The Sprot family mausoleum
This small mortuary chapel surrounded by a locked iron railed enclosure is situated about 80m south of the General’s Tower on the Riddell Estate. Three window tablets are inscribed with details of Sprot family members.
A window tablet on the Sprot family mausoleum The inscription reads:-

IN
THIS VAULT REST
THE REMAINS OF
JAMES LEWIS BOYD SPROT,
WHO DIED AT SCHOOL
AT EALING NEAR LONDON,
25TH APRIL 1857 AGED 13 YEARS.
THIRD SON OF MARK SPROT,
OF RIDDELL, ROXBURGHSHIRE.
ALSO
MARK GEORGE SPROT,
CAPTAIN OF THE 93RD HIGHLANDERS
SECOND SON ON MARK SPROT,
WHO AFTER A LONG ILLNESS
DEPARTED THIS LIFE AT THE
HOTEL BYRON, LAKE GENEVA
ON 16TH SEPTEMBER 1853
AGED 28 YEARS.
ALSO
EDWARD WILLIAM SPROT,
OF DRYGRANGE
FOURTH SON OF MARK SPROT
WHO DIED AT DRYGRANGE
1ST FEBRUARY 1898
AGED 52 YEARS
AND IS BURIED AT MELROSE.

For a wider view of the mausoleum, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098055">NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum</a>.
A window tablet on the Sprot family mausoleum
The inscription reads:- IN THIS VAULT REST THE REMAINS OF JAMES LEWIS BOYD SPROT, WHO DIED AT SCHOOL AT EALING NEAR LONDON, 25TH APRIL 1857 AGED 13 YEARS. THIRD SON OF MARK SPROT, OF RIDDELL, ROXBURGHSHIRE. ALSO MARK GEORGE SPROT, CAPTAIN OF THE 93RD HIGHLANDERS SECOND SON ON MARK SPROT, WHO AFTER A LONG ILLNESS DEPARTED THIS LIFE AT THE HOTEL BYRON, LAKE GENEVA ON 16TH SEPTEMBER 1853 AGED 28 YEARS. ALSO EDWARD WILLIAM SPROT, OF DRYGRANGE FOURTH SON OF MARK SPROT WHO DIED AT DRYGRANGE 1ST FEBRUARY 1898 AGED 52 YEARS AND IS BURIED AT MELROSE. For a wider view of the mausoleum, see NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum.
A window tablet on the Sprot family mausoleum The inscription reads:-

IN
THIS VAULT REST
THE REMAINS OF
ELIZABETH,
THE BELOVED WIFE OF MARK SPROT,
RIDDELL, AND ELDEST DAUGHTER OF
JOHN SHEWELL OF CLAPHAM COMMON
WHO DIED SUDDENLY AT EDINBURGH
MUCH REGRETTED 9TH FEBY 1871
AGED 60 YEARS.
ALSO
MARK SPROT ESQR OF RIDDELL
WHO DIED AT EDINBURGH
21ST NOVEMBER 1883,
AGED 82 YEARS.
ALSO
LIEUT. GENERAL JOHN SPROT,
OF RIDDELL,
ELDEST SON OF MARK SPROT,
OF RIDDELL,
LATE 83RD FOOT AND 91ST HIGHLANDERS
WHO DIED AT RIDDELL
19TH MARCH 1907
AGED 77 YEARS.

For a wider view of the mausoleum, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098055">NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum</a>.
A window tablet on the Sprot family mausoleum
The inscription reads:- IN THIS VAULT REST THE REMAINS OF ELIZABETH, THE BELOVED WIFE OF MARK SPROT, RIDDELL, AND ELDEST DAUGHTER OF JOHN SHEWELL OF CLAPHAM COMMON WHO DIED SUDDENLY AT EDINBURGH MUCH REGRETTED 9TH FEBY 1871 AGED 60 YEARS. ALSO MARK SPROT ESQR OF RIDDELL WHO DIED AT EDINBURGH 21ST NOVEMBER 1883, AGED 82 YEARS. ALSO LIEUT. GENERAL JOHN SPROT, OF RIDDELL, ELDEST SON OF MARK SPROT, OF RIDDELL, LATE 83RD FOOT AND 91ST HIGHLANDERS WHO DIED AT RIDDELL 19TH MARCH 1907 AGED 77 YEARS. For a wider view of the mausoleum, see NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum.
A window tablet on the Sprot family mausoleum The inscription reads:-

IN
THIS VAULT REST
THE REMAINS OF
GEORGINA MARY SPROT,
THE BELOVED WIFE OF 
COLONEL JAMES SPROT,
ASST ADJUT GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND
AND THIRD DAUGHTER OF
HENRY E. SURTEES ESQR OF REDWORTH
HALL & CO DURHAM & DANE END & HERTS
WHO DIED AT EDINBURGH
16TH MARCH 1876 AGED 27 YEARS.
ALSO
IN MEMORY OF HER INFANT DAUGHTERS
LOUISE SPROT,
WHO DIED AT FORT GEORGE 1873
AND IS BURRIED AT ARDERSEER
GEORGIE CAROLINE SPROT,
WHO DIED AT EDINBURGH 1876
AND WHOSE REMAINS LIE IN THIS VAULT
ALSO
CECELIA ELIZABETH SPROT
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
COLONEL J. SPROT OF RIDDELL,
AND DAUGHTER OF THE
REVD. WILLIAM BLAKE DOVETON
OF CORSTON SOMERSET
WHO DIED AT EASTBOURNE
8TH JUNE 1884 AGED 32 YEARS.

For a wider view of the mausoleum, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098055">NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum</a>.
A window tablet on the Sprot family mausoleum
The inscription reads:- IN THIS VAULT REST THE REMAINS OF GEORGINA MARY SPROT, THE BELOVED WIFE OF COLONEL JAMES SPROT, ASST ADJUT GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND AND THIRD DAUGHTER OF HENRY E. SURTEES ESQR OF REDWORTH HALL & CO DURHAM & DANE END & HERTS WHO DIED AT EDINBURGH 16TH MARCH 1876 AGED 27 YEARS. ALSO IN MEMORY OF HER INFANT DAUGHTERS LOUISE SPROT, WHO DIED AT FORT GEORGE 1873 AND IS BURRIED AT ARDERSEER GEORGIE CAROLINE SPROT, WHO DIED AT EDINBURGH 1876 AND WHOSE REMAINS LIE IN THIS VAULT ALSO CECELIA ELIZABETH SPROT THE BELOVED WIFE OF COLONEL J. SPROT OF RIDDELL, AND DAUGHTER OF THE REVD. WILLIAM BLAKE DOVETON OF CORSTON SOMERSET WHO DIED AT EASTBOURNE 8TH JUNE 1884 AGED 32 YEARS. For a wider view of the mausoleum, see NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum.
Hedge trimming on the Riddell Estate
Hedge trimming on the Riddell Estate
Riddell Mill This is the site of a former watermill.
Riddell Mill
This is the site of a former watermill.
A farm road on the Riddell Estate This is Park Bridge which spans a small burn and culvert.
A farm road on the Riddell Estate
This is Park Bridge which spans a small burn and culvert.
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Chesterknowes is located at Grid Ref: NT5226 (Lat: 55.525367, Lng: -2.7618781)

Unitary Authority: The Scottish Borders

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders

What 3 Words

///nowadays.hurtles.eliminate. Near Selkirk, Scottish Borders

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.525367,-2.7618781
Curling
Place: isolated_dwelling
Lat/Long: 55.5262125/-2.766461
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 55.5271191/-2.7644266
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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